What is Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of the prostate gland. It can affect men of all ages but is most common in those under 50. While it’s often believed to be caused by bacterial infection, many cases show no signs of infection at all. This leads to misdiagnosis, ineffective treatments, and prolonged suffering.
Thousands of men around the world suffer silently from pain in the genitals, rectum, or pelvic floor — often labeled as chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Despite normal test results, they’re prescribed antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or physical therapy year after year — often without relief.
But what if the diagnosis is wrong from the start?
Types of Prostatitis
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis
- – Sudden onset of symptoms
- – Fever, chills, painful urination
- – Often caused by urinary tract infection
- – Requires prompt antibiotic treatment
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
- – Recurrent urinary tract infections
- – Ongoing pelvic or genital pain
- – Difficult to cure, requires long-term antibiotics
Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS)
- – Most common form
- – Symptoms often not caused by bacteria
- – May involve muscle tension, nerve irritation or stress
- – Frequently misdiagnosed
Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis
- – No symptoms
- – Inflammation found during tests for other conditions
Symptoms of Prostatitis
- – Burning or pain during urination
- – Pain in the perineum, testicles, penis, lower back
- – Pain when sitting
- – Frequent urge to urinate
- – Pain during or after ejaculation
Causes and Risk Factors
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– Bacterial infections (UTIs)
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– Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
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– Nerve entrapment or irritation
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– Stress and psychological factors
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– Urine reflux into the prostate
How is Prostatitis Diagnosed?
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– Medical history and symptom check
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– Digital rectal examination (DRE)
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– Urine and semen cultures
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– Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
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– Imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound
Treatment Options for Prostatitis
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– Antibiotics (for bacterial forms)
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– Alpha blockers (to relax bladder muscles)
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– Anti-inflammatory medications
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– Pelvic floor physiotherapy
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– Prostate massage
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– Lifestyle changes: diet, hydration, stress reduction
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Chronic Pelvic Pain or Prostatitis – Or Something Else?
Pudendal Nerve – The Hidden Cause Behind “Prostatitis”
Modern research and our extensive clinical experience show that up to 90% of so-called chronic prostatitis cases may actually be caused by pudendal nerve entrapment — a vital nerve responsible for sensation and function in the pelvic region.
When the pudendal nerve becomes compressed or irritated, symptoms can mimic prostatitis:
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Burning, stinging, or aching pain in the penis, scrotum, prostate, or rectum
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Pelvic cramps or sudden pain episodes (e.g., Proctalgia fugax)
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Weak urine stream or incomplete bladder emptying
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Numbness, pressure, or “electric shocks” in the pelvic area
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Pain while sitting — sometimes excruciating
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Erectile dysfunction or decreased sensation
And yet, patients are repeatedly told: “It’s psychosomatic”, “It’s stress”, or “It’s chronic prostatitis — learn to live with it.”
When Should You See a Specialist?
- Persistent symptoms despite treatment
- No infection found on tests
- Severe pain while sitting
- Symptoms pointing toward nerve involvement
Still in Pain?
You’re Not Alone — and You’re Not Without Hope
Global Pelvic Institute – Specialists in Real Solutions
At Global Pelvic Institute, our international team is dedicated to one thing: finding and treating the true cause of your pain. Led by Dr. Renaud Bollens — a global pioneer in pudendal nerve surgery — we specialize in advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive surgical treatment.
Our evidence and long-term results show:
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– Most chronic pelvic pain in men is pudendal-related
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– Surgery releases the nerve without damaging it
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– Only the structures compressing the nerve are addressed
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– We treat the cause — not just the symptoms
Many patients we see have already consulted 10–15 different healthcare providers. They’ve tried antibiotics, nerve blocks, physiotherapy — often without success. While muscle therapy can sometimes help, it’s usually only treating the surface. In up to 85–90% of cases, the muscle spasms are a reaction to a trapped nerve.
Can prostatitis go away on its own?
Sometimes, mild cases of prostatitis — especially those not caused by bacteria — may improve on their own with rest, hydration, and lifestyle changes. However, chronic symptoms often require targeted treatment, especially if nerve involvement is suspected.
How long does prostatitis last?
It varies. Acute bacterial prostatitis can last a few days to weeks with proper treatment. Chronic prostatitis or CPPS can persist for months or even years without accurate diagnosis and tailored care.
Is prostatitis sexually transmitted?
No, prostatitis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, some symptoms may overlap with STIs, and infections can sometimes coexist. Testing is important to rule out all causes.
Can prostatitis cause erection problems?
Yes. Ongoing inflammation or nerve irritation in the pelvic region can impact erectile function, libido, and ejaculation. If symptoms are due to pudendal nerve entrapment, addressing the nerve issue can improve sexual function.
Is sitting bad for prostatitis?
Prolonged sitting often worsens symptoms, especially if the pudendal nerve is compressed. Using cushions, adjusting posture, or seeking surgical decompression can provide significant relief for patients with nerve-related pain.
Book a Consultation
It’s time to stop calling it prostatitis when it’s not. It’s time to stop treating symptoms. It’s time to be free from pain.
Why Patients Choose Us:
World-class surgical expertise
Led by Dr. Renaud Bollens, a pioneer in pudendal nerve decompression.
Root-cause diagnostics
We go beyond symptoms to identify if your pain is actually nerve-related.
Hope after failed treatments
We help patients who’ve tried everything else — and finally find answers.